Good Times are Here Again! When You Have to Celebrate with Relatives

What is good about being with family, eating, drinking, being merry, and doing other things that a wise God in his Word has repeatedly warned us about, well you get to see some people that you most likely wouldn't see at their best any other time of the year.  But yes, we should watch as well as pray and not fill ourselves too much with food and drink.  There is always an enemy that would like nothing more than cause problems for you and your family.

The holiday season typically brings out the best in people.  Those who are often upset suddenly cheer up when they see something wrapped with a bow.  There are children who may not be polite on most days, but when they know they are getting something "fun, cool" out comes, "Thank you, yes ma'm...No sir."  Oh the joys of the holidays and those people we love!

So what are some things we all can think about this season to keep us happy and motivated to be around select people that we really don't like much while enjoying the company of others that we do like.

One.  Focus on people in attendance you do appreciate and spend time with them.  Take part in whatever they are doing so that you aren't busy with those people who annoy you.

Two.  Take up time with the children.  Playing with toys and listening to children talk will also keep you occupied, so that you don't feel obligated to sit too long with those individuals that bring you down.

Three.  Take lots of photos and video.  Once again, you are keeping busy so there isn't much time to listen to that one negative relative who sits in the corner always saying one thing or another about this person and that one.

Four.  Bring something to the gathering and share it with those who would find what you have interesting.  Of course, the busybody, the envious and others will also see what you have, but who cares?  You win friends and they just sit back and frown.

Five.  Show love even to your enemies.  Despite the rudeness or pompous behavior of certain relatives, you still thought about them whether you bring a card, gift card, an envelope with a little cash, or something else you think they might like, you are showing that you still care about them.  But your nice gesture doesn't mean, that you are a fool either.
 
Six.  Come up with an idea that keeps everyone smiling.  Whether you bring a funny video, sing a merry song, or do something fun online, share.

Seven.  Challenge a few to a favorite game.  This will also keep some of those negative people from raining down on your parade.

Well with all the things you have to do and all the people you will be talking to and entertaining, there just won't be any time to sit down with the trouble-makers, so don't.  When they call for you to come over, mouth, "Later, busy."  When you do finally sit down with them (have a witness), and don't get comfortable.  Avoid responding to comments that make you feel awkward, irritate you, or make you want to argue, "Oh, sorry you feel that way.  But honestly, now is not the time."  Get up and go about your way.  If things get out of hand, have someone go get the host.

Nicholl McGuire